Ghost an image in Photoshop in just a few steps. You can turn yourself into a ghost or a spirit using some simple techniques. You have to blur the image,
make white glowing eyes and add some creepy elements like ripped curtains, steam,
etc.

For this year Halloween you can try this horror portrait effect and transform a person into a ghost using Photoshop.

Add Blood Stains and Splatters in Photoshop

This image already looks like a ghost but I will add other creepy elements. For example I will add some blood stains and splatters on the wood frame.

Set the blend mode to Multiply and add a Layer Mask to hide some areas. Use the color black to paint inside the mask.

Create Time Effect Using a Watch/Clock Image

Create a new layer with blend mode Multiply and add this pocket watch .

Add a Layer Mask to hide the edge of the watch. Use the color black to paint inside the mask.

Add a Brightness/Contrast adjustment just for the Watch layer, using a Clipping Mask.

Create Ripped Curtains in Photoshop

In a new layer add this ripped curtain fabric PNG image. Set the blend mode to Screen. Add a Brightness/Contrast adjustment just for the Ripped Curtain layer, using a Clipping Mask.

Add a Drop Shadow layer style to create the depth effect.

I duplicate the Ripped Curtain layer with the Brightness/Contrast adjustment multiple times. PLace them in different parts of the image. Play with the opacity of the layer and also with the opacity and the distance of the Drop Shadow layer style.

How to Apply Textures to Images Using Photoshop

To create a grunge vintage photo effect, copy this grunge texture in a new layer and set the blend mode to Soft Light and opacity 44%.

Also add a Gradient Overlay to the Grunge Texture layer to create a vignette effect: #000000 (location 0%) and #ffffff (location 46%)

Add Lens Flare Effect in Photoshop

Add this lens flare texture overlay in a new layer. Set the blend mode to Screen

Add a Levels and a Gradient Map(blend mode: Hue) adjustments to this layer only using Clipping Masks.

Dramatic Color Effect in Photoshop

For the final touches I will first add a Curves adjustment for all the layers.

One of the methods for creating a dramatic color effect in Photoshop is to use a Gradient Map. I will set the blend mode to Soft Light. I will use color tones of red and cyan for the gradient are: #e41313 (location 0%), #3dbdbb (location 34%) and #ffffff (location 100%). You can of course use any color variations you want.

If you want a more sharpen crisp look you can use the High Pass Filter technique from this tutorials.

Congratulations, You Made It!

So here is the final result for ghost an image Photoshop effect. You can apply this ghost effect to a human and even to an animal.

If you want to create an animated GIF ghost effect you can try this cool Photoshop action that is perfect for Halloween. You can create static images and save them as JPEG or you can create animated GIFs. Surprise your Facebook friends with a ghost animation of yourself.

If you're looking for amazing textures and backgrounds for Photoshop, explore Textures4Photoshop where you can find 1000+ unique images. You can download all these textures and backgrounds for free to use in personal or commercial projects!

Be a Cool Dude!

With your donation you can help us maintain this website and keep producing free resources many months to come! Any amount counts